US rapper Busta Rhymes has been given three years probation for assaulting two people in 2006.

Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, pleaded guilty to hitting a fan who had reportedly spat on his car in August 2006.

The rapper also pleaded guilty to assaulting his driver, Larry Hackett, in December later that year, reports Reuters.

Smith had previously pleaded innocent to the charges but dropped his plea in January to avoid the possibility of facing a year in prison.

"I have no problem being a good dude because that's what I am," Smith told reporters yesterday.

The rapper was also fined for driving with a suspended licence in 2006 and driving while under the influence of alcohol the following year.

(by Jason Gregory)